Some Helpful Information for Wedding Guests

I would like to start blogging some important information for Brides to be (& grooms!)  Just to add a different spin to my Blog!

I thought the best place to start would be the actual invitations.  I am assuming you have decided on the design and now have the arduous task of addressing them and sending them out!

I'm not an expert on the topic by any means.  I have compiled some information which I have found through research from various sources and experts in the area of proper etiquette for the Bride & Groom as well as guests!

Though wedding traditions have changed drastically over the years, some forms of etiquette will always be expected..

Wording on invitations will be the first hint to guests as to who is expected to attend.  It is considered poor etiquette to indicate on the invitation if children are not invited to the event.  

Though the focus is understandably on brides, grooms, their attendants and families at weddings, guests still have a role to play at a wedding celebration. Their presence and participation at the ceremony and reception is itself a gift to the couple -- otherwise, why go to all the fuss? Good guest etiquette starts as soon as an invitation is received.

 Respect the invitation

Look to the inner envelope of the invitation to see exactly who is invited; if there isn't one, the outer envelope is the next place to look. If you may bring a guest, your invitation will read "Mr. John Phelps and Guest." If your children are invited, they will either receive their own personal invitations or their names will be listed under yours on the inner envelope. If children aren't included, this is not the time to question your host's decision, to argue, or to beg for an exception. Never add their names to a reply card or show up with them anyway!

 RSVP. Immediately.

RSVP is an abbreviation of the French phrase répondez s'il vous plait, which means simply, "please reply." Your most important obligation as a guest is to respond to the wedding invitation immediately, especially if you are unable to attend. Wedding guests who fail to RSVP promptly (or at all) are one of the biggest causes of headaches to brides and grooms. At the very least, it allows your host and hostess enough time to give an accurate count to the caterer. In recent generations, matters have been made as easy as possible to encourage guests to perform this small task: There is usually a basic fill-in card indicating attendance, and even a pre-addressed, stamped envelope to return it in. If not, write a formal reply or a note indicating your intentions.